Islamabad/Dhaka, August 26, 2023, Dr. Tawfig Al Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program, has returned from an official trip to Bangladesh and Pakistan, where he met with the presidents of both nations and other top government officials. The visit's goals were to fortify ties, talk about how to work together and overcome obstacles to improve the Umrah experience for pilgrims from Pakistan and Bangladesh, and spread awareness of the massive initiatives driven by the Saudi Vision 2030. The minister's international travels serve as a reminder of the enormous efforts made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques government to enhance Hajj and Umrah organizations, infrastructure, and services. These initiatives, which are undertaken to carry out the Saudi Vision 2030, attest to Saudi Arabia's longstanding commitment to serving Islam and Muslims worldwide, as well as to the nation's pride, religious obligation, and unwavering commitment to providing for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors coming to the Kingdom. Agreements were inked with the civil aviation authorities of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh during the minister's visit. The agreements are designed to increase the number of flights between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia, making it easier and more comfortable for those who wish to undertake the Umrah to do so. The first roadshow for Nusuk, the Saudi government's flagship initiative, was also staged in Karachi and Dhaka to promote the integrated digital platform for Pakistani and Bangladeshi visitors who were considering traveling to the Kingdom for tourism or religious reasons. The visa process has been expedited, with visas now being provided within 24 hours as part of the Kingdom's continued attempts to make Umrah easier. Individuals with valid visas for the US, UK, or Schengen as well as permanent residence in one of those nations may also use e-visa services. Additionally, tourists are allowed to do Umrah and discover the nation's rich cultural history and natural splendors. The length of Umrah visas has also been increased to 90 days. The 96-hour stopover visa is available to Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals, enabling them to include Umrah in their travel plans. Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Minister for Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrimage Experience Program, emphasized the strong and long-standing ties between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and the need to elevate these ties and increase cooperation with these two nations. According to Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia has the honor of hosting pilgrims from all over the world and is dedicated to making sure their spiritual trip is conducted under safe, practical, and comfortable circumstances. He emphasized the ongoing initiatives to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, such as the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, the Haramain High-Speed Railway, the recently renovated King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, which has grown to be a crucial hub in the Islamic world, as well as the restoration of historic mosques and cultural sites in Makkah and Madina. As the center of Islam, Saudi Arabia is dedicated to making sure that pilgrims from Pakistan and Bangladesh, among others, have a hassle-free and fulfilling Umrah experience. The recently finished visit and the agreements made therein confirm the value of developing strong bilateral ties, which will be advantageous to millions of believers desiring to conduct Umrah. The Saudi government's initiatives to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience usher in a new era of pilgrimage. According to a press release from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia has successfully improved the accessibility, effectiveness, and comfort of the Hajj and Umrah journeys for millions of pilgrims worldwide. This has been accomplished through visionary planning, technological advancements, and infrastructure development.
